Washington
August 29th 1825
My dear friend
I Had some hope to visit you at the Monroes and He regretted Himself that the Rapidity of our movements did not allow him to give you a precise and timely notice. Nor could I write to you before Now as our arrangement has been lately fixed. I go this morning on a visit to see Washington’s family and to the tomb of my paternal friend with a view to be returned the day after tomorrow By dinner time. I ought and I wish to make a farewell visit to Baltimore alto I much fear it will be impossible, as I am to dine Thursday at Commodore Morris’[1] and will Have But a short time to attend to some Business Answer the most pressing letter &c. on the 6th I dine with the president on 7th in the morning I leave the seat of government in a steamboat to join the frigate at the mouth of the Potomac. Shall I Have the pleasure to embrace you, my dear Ludwel, before I leave this Beloved American shore. Forward my respects to the family, and believe me for ever.
Your affectionate friend
Lafayette[2]
My companions Beg to be remembered to you and them
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 3, M2009.171, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2015 November 2
